Maputo, 15 July 2025 — The Head of Mozambique’s National Group to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (AP-CPLP), Feliz Sílvia, stated on Tuesday in Maputo that the AP-CPLP must establish itself as a forum for concrete action, sharing of best practices, legislative harmonisation, and institutional solidarity among the peoples of the Lusophone community.
“Our voice, united by the Portuguese language, must echo in the Concert of Nations as a testament that diversity can be a unifying force,” said Sílvia, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of Mozambique’s Parliament to promoting parliamentary diplomacy as a vector of integration and cooperation among CPLP member states.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Assembly of the Republic at the 14th AP-CPLP Plenary Session, Sílvia stressed that it is a collective duty of the member states to turn the values of peace, democracy, and good governance into practical reality. “The hope of our peoples lies in our ability to be bold, fair, and consistent,” he said.
Mozambique on a path of inclusive dialogue
“Mozambique is ready — ready to cooperate, to learn, to share and, above all, to lead this collective journey with humility,” added Sílvia. “It is through sharing that our community grows stronger, and it is through the exchange between our parliaments that a more resilient CPLP is built.”
In another part of his address, Sílvia highlighted that peace is the foundation of life in society: without peace, democracy cannot flourish; without peace, good governance gives way to instability; and without peace, human and economic development becomes a mirage.
“Mozambique recognises the priceless value of peace and also knows the high cost of its absence,” the MP noted, recalling that after years of armed conflict, tension, and instability, and most recently the post-electoral violence “our country has firmly pursued a path of inclusive dialogue, national reconciliation, and the building of lasting peace,” he said.
According to Sílvia, the Mozambican Parliament has played a vital role in this historic process by approving sensitive political reforms; establishing legal frameworks for decentralisation; granting amnesties; creating a legislative environment that allows for the social and political reintegration of former combatants; and, most importantly, maintaining open dialogue among parliamentary benches with maturity, patriotism, and a spirit of reconciliation.
“This journey teaches us that peace is not a final destination, but a continuous process of collective construction,” he said, emphasising that “democracy is the political system best suited to embrace the diversity of our societies.”
Sílvia expressed firm belief that a strong democratic system is the foundation of a plural, free, and just society, noting that Mozambique has made considerable efforts to consolidate its democratic institutions: holding regular, multi-party, and monitored elections; adopting a Constitution that guarantees fundamental rights; and building a Parliament that is increasingly representative and inclusive, especially through the growing participation of women and youth.
“At the same time, we have invested in transparency mechanisms, in the professionalisation of our MPs, and in strengthening citizen participation in the legislative process — turning Parliament into a stage for consensus and healthy debate, reflecting the plurality of voices in our society,” Sílvia added. “Talking about good governance means talking about responsibility, social justice, the fight against corruption, and efficient management of public resources,” he affirmed.
Mozambique recognises that good governance cannot be an abstract concept.
“It must be reflected in improved living conditions for the population, equitable access to public services, territorial equity, and distributive justice,” said the Head of the National Group to the AP-CPLP.
He underlined that the Mozambican Parliament has been approving and overseeing the implementation of public policies aimed at integrity, fiscal responsibility, and accountability — always aware that citizen trust is the cornerstone of state legitimacy.
The 14th Plenary Session of the AP-CPLP, was held under the theme “Promoting Peace, Democracy, and Good Governance in the CPLP” in Maputo.
Mozambique’s Parliament assumed the rotating presidency
Mozambique officially assumed the rotating presidency of the AP-CPLP today, taking over from Equatorial Guinea for a two-year mandate focused on peace and inclusion.
According to MP Feliz Sílvia, head of Mozambique’s national parliamentary group within the CPLP, the country’s priorities during the mandate will include strengthening democracy and the rule of law, monitoring implementation of the CPLP mobility agreement, and holding regular meetings to facilitate freer movement among member states.
Mozambique will also aim to attract private investment through the harmonisation of customs and tax regimes and to promote the Portuguese language and the shared culture of CPLP countries.
Margarida Talapa, a Member of Parliament for Frelimo (the ruling party), will now serve as President of the AP-CPLP during Mozambique’s mandate.
The 14th AP-CPLP Plenary Session, which ended Tuesday, was being held under the theme “Promoting Peace, Democracy, and Good Governance in the CPLP” in Maputo.
The event began on Monday and brought together over 100 delegates, including parliamentary leaders from CPLP member states.
Founded in 1996, the CPLP comprises nine member countries: Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste.
